University of Illinois Extension

Blog Posts (33)

Richard Proffer hired as new Extension community and economic development educator

Bring life to empty downtown buildings

thriving downtown buildings

What does it take to keep our roads clear . . . and how do we pay for it?

Spending locally first ensures roads are safe for travel in winter.

Opportunity Zones projects in Canton and Havana, Illinois

Remote work offers potential benefits for Illinois’ rural communities

USDA Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) Initiative garnered big results in Fulton County and beyond

hands writing on paper at table

Fulton County collaboration yields $8 million in grants

People filling out paperwork on a desk

Greater Peoria Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Central Illinois communities convening on coal plant transition planning

coal plant located in Fulton County, Illinois

Central Illinois communities convening on coal plant transition planning

Picture of a coal plant

Moving Toward Transportation Equity: A Case Study

drawing of lots of types of transporation and city skyline

Housing Strategies for Economic Development in Central Illinois

downtown Morton IL

Building an Equitable and Just Green Infrastructure Strategy in the North Central Region

Housing strategies for economic development in Central Illinois

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Streator Incubator Feasibility Study

Streator Incubator Blog with business icons

Streator Incubator Feasibility Study

Extension Staff Involved in Filling the Grocery Gap in Peoria

Building capacity for broadband expansion

Trucks preparing to install broadband in rural setting

Extension staff and partners provide critical support to assist restaurants to reopen

scaling up info graphic

Farmers are my kinda people

Photo of Michelle Sirles with farmer t-shirt

Archive of Scaling Up Restaurant Operations Part 2 Now Available

Scaling UP: Restaurant Operations: Opening Safely

Restaurant staff in front of window.

Archive of Scaling Up Restaurant Operations Part 1 Now Available

Be ready when your doors reopen

In a word, resilient

Remote workforce creates challenge for business relief

Supporting local businesses during COVID-19

Illinois Hospitality Emergency Grants

Using calculator at desk

How You Can Apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Understanding low-interest loans: SBA Disaster Assistance

Using calculator at desk

Financial first aid for small business: SBA Disaster Assistance

Using calculator at desk

Ephiphany Farms brings 'farm to fork' to backyard gardeners

Epiphany farms owner Ken Myszka speaks into microphone

What Lenders in the U.S. are saying about the Ag Economy

Farm field

News Releases (27)

Richard Proffer hired as new Extension community and economic development educator

Young farmers seek solutions to entry barriers

I-Rural: Helping communities meet increased demand for rural tourism

County wide survey to identify adequacy of internet service

Entrepreneurship curriculum benefits everyone

Program grows even during pandemic

Demographic changes result in increasing diversity in Illinois, new data presents

Your thoughts needed in Bushnell meetings

Reclamation programs help communities transition abandoned mines

Extension webinar extols value of Illinois waterways

When coal mines close: Help for transitioning communities

Rural communities see growth: Collaboration yields $8 million in grants

Webinar examines dollar store impact on rural Illinois communities

Uncovering the financial nightmare of COVID-19

More than $100 billion still available for small businesses

Restaurants make critical menu adjustments, safety practices

Learn safe, effective ways to open Illinois restaurants

Resiliency resource for struggling Illinois economies

Illinois Extension presses forward with planning for summer 4-H shows

Six County Fast Pitch Competition postponed. Applications to compete still being accepted.

Program cancellations and postponements

Community meeting postponed, residents still encouraged to take the survey

Application deadline is coming up soon for the Six County Fast Pitch Competition

Bushnell residents encouraged to take a survey

Entries Sought for Fast Pitch Contest on May 12 to Help Turn Business Ideas into Reality

Economic Impact of Plant/Mine Closures & Making the Case for Solar/Wind webinar

Ready to Diversify: Lessons Learned from Coal Communities Across the Country webinar

Staff (9)

Amanda Cole

Amanda Cole

County Director; Interim Associate Director for Field Operations

Michael Delany

Michael Delany

Community and Economic Development Educator

Tiffany Macke

Tiffany Macke

Community and Economic Development Educator

Carrie McKillip

Carrie McKillip

Community and Economic Development Educator

Russell Medley

Russell Medley

Community and Economic Development Educator

Kathryn Pereira

Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator

Jennifer Russell

Jennifer Russell

Community and Economic Development Educator

Pam Schallhorn

Pam Schallhorn

Extension Specialist - Region 2 Community & Economic Development

photo of Karen Winter-Nelson wearing a blue shirt

Karen Winter-Nelson

Evaluation Specialist, Agriculture and Natural Resources